Author Archive
Catholic nun organizes national pre-inauguration event to foster peace
By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sister Rita Petruziello said she could feel the “contention and nastiness” in the air during the presidential election campaign of the last year. Instead of getting better as the process went along, it kept getting worse. “It didn’t matter who won,” she told Catholic …
When a mother loses a child, reach out with tears, not words, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the depths of despair, when no words or gestures will help, then cry with those who suffer, because tears are the seeds of hope, Pope Francis said. When people are hurting, “it is necessary to share in …
Catholics in Congress: one-third of House, one-quarter of Senate
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — The religious makeup of the 115th Congress is significantly Christian — 91 percent — with Catholics comprising one-third of the House of Representatives and about a quarter of the Senate. Overall, there are six fewer Christians in the new …
Federal judge blocks HHS transgender regulation
By AUSTIN, Texas (CNS) — A federal judge in Texas Dec. 31 blocked a regulation by the Department of Health and Human Services requiring Catholic hospitals and health care providers to perform or provide gender transition services, saying it would place “substantial pressure” on the plaintiffs — a coalition of …
Ohio think tank gives people a much-needed voice in overcoming poverty
IMAGE: CNS photo/Dennis Sadowski By Dennis Sadowski NEWARK, Ohio (CNS) — For Tonya and Chuck Cooper, family isn’t just those who share their last name. When it comes to helping people in need, the couple often sets an extra plate at the dinner table for someone without food, offers a …
Pope to bishops: Defend children from abuse, protect their dignity, joy
IMAGE: CNS photo/Raminder Pal Singh, EPA By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Stand up and protect children from exploitation, slaughter and abuse, which includes committing to a policy of “zero tolerance” of sexual abuse by clergy, Pope Francis told the world’s bishops. Wake up to what is happening to …
New Year calls for courage, hope; no more hatred, selfishness, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Whether the new year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day, Pope Francis said. “That is how one builds peace, saying ‘no’ to hatred and violence — with action — and ‘yes’ to …
German bishop urges families to be inspired by pope’s exhortation
IMAGE: CNS photo/Arno Burgi, EPA By Zita Fletcher BERLIN (CNS) — As traditional family holiday celebrations continued with the coming of the New Year, an official with the German bishops’ conference encouraged Catholic families to read Pope Francis’ exhortation on the family, “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”). “The feast …
Violence fixes nothing; world needs politics of peace, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Ahmed Jallanzo, EPA By Lauren Clem VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Calling for a new style of politics built on peace and nonviolence, Pope Francis also called for disarmament, the eradication of nuclear weapons and an end to domestic violence and abuse against women and children. “Violence is not …
New York cardinal to participate in Trump inauguration
IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — New York’s Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan will take part in the upcoming presidential inauguration of Republican Donald Trump. “I am honored to have been asked to offer a reading from Scripture at the upcoming presidential inauguration, and look forward …